Cruise Logs

6th March - Highlights of the Firth of Clyde

The relaxing ambience of Hebridean Princess allows us to enjoy the beauty of some of the lower Clyde islands on this cruise which encompasses history, heritage, a distillery and delightful walks ashore.

6th March 2017

Setting sail from Greenock we cruised in the early evening to our overnight anchorage in Holy Loch.

7th March 2017

This morning guests were tendered ashore at Holy Loch Marina for a visit to Historic Kilmun and the Argyll Mausoleum. Built in 1790 the Argyll Mausoleum was constructed to house the remains of the Dukes and Earls of Argyll, the Chiefs of the Clan Campbell and their families.

During lunch we cruised to Rothesay Bay and landed on the Isle of Bute where guests could visit Mount Stuart House or enjoy free time to explore the Victorian resort of Rothesay independently.

We remained at anchor overnight in Rothesay Bay.

7th March 2017

Sailing south during breakfast we arrived in Brodick Bay on the Isle of Arran for a morning visit to Brodick Castle Gardens. Now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, the gardens date back to 1710.

Our afternoon was spent alongside at Campbeltown enjoying a guided tour of the Springbank Distillery.

After dinner local musicians came on board to provide entertainment with many guests joining in with a little Scottish dancing!

We remained alongside in Campbeltown overnight.

Thursday 9th March

A morning relaxing on board was the order of the day as we circumnavigated Sanda Island. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its importance to both migrating and breeding birds, Sanda is home to the first bird observatory on the west coast of Scotland. At the southern tip of the island there is a lighthouse built in 1850 by Alan Stevenson. When seen from the sea to the south, the natural arch, and the lighthouse on the rock can look like a ship, hence its nickname "The Ship".

Later we also cruised around the imposing Ailsa Craig, once quarried for its blue hone granite used in the making of curling stones but now home to an array of seabirds.

The final port of call on our voyage was Holy Isle, a tiny satellite island of Arran guarding the entrance to Lamlash Bay. Guests were tendered ashore to explore on foot.

The Farewell Gala Dinner was held at anchor in Rothesay Bay off the Isle of Bute.

10th March 2017

This morning we steamed into Greenock where disembarkation took place.